Webinar Archive II

Newborn Hearing Screening...What’s Next?

Webinar with Early Childhood and Family Services (ECFS)

Program Description

Recorded March 22, 2013. During this webinar, Corri Saunders, a teacher of the deaf and Amy Hunt, a speech‐language pathologist discuss the process for families following a newborn hearing screening referral. They provide information on what to expect, answer questions from parents and provide information leading to resources available for babies with hearing loss in the State of Maine.

Corri and Amy are Early Intervention Specialists for Early Childhood and Family Services (ECFS) at the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Resources

We Need To Hear It All: Please Patch Us In

Program Description

Today's classrooms are complicated listening environments. Education technologies offer a variety of listening sources that can create access challenges for students with speciallistening needs. During this webinar, Eileen Peterson, an Educational Audiologist identifies some audio sources within the educational setting and provide information to help you "patch" sound sources together to connect students with the sounds they need to hear.

EileenPeterson has provided Educational Audiology support for the past 28 years for students in Maine who have hearing loss. She is the state's only Educational Audiologist working through the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Public School Outreach and Early Childhood and Family Services programs. She has also worked in clinical private practice and taught in two university settings.

The target audience for this webinar includes teachers, special educators, teachers of the deaf, speech-language pathologists, special education directors, audiologists, student disabilities co-ordinators, and parents of children who use hearing assistance technologies.

Resources

"Summer on the Go: Expanding Language Opportunities"

Program Description

During this webinar,Kristen Shorey and Cathy Coughlin, Early Intervention Specialists for deaf and hard of hearing children at MECDHH,will discuss how to expand on language opportunities during everyday activities in the summer.They will provide information and resources to make your summer vacation fun and educational.

Resources

"There's An App for That: An Intro to Using Apps to Target Spoken Language Skills"

Program Description

During this webinar, Christa Cook and Nina Fistler, speech-language pathologists working with deaf and hard of hearing children, will give an overview of how to use apps to target listening and spoken language skills. They will examine what makes a good app, demonstrate some ideas for using apps, and provide resources for parents and professionals to use on their own.

About the Presenters:

Christa Cook received her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. Christa has worked as a speech-language pathologist for 7 years, focusing on children who are deaf and hard or hearing. She currently works as an SLP in the Early Childhood Program at MECDHH, where she integrates the use of iPad apps within the spoken language therapy setting.

Nina Fistler received her Master of Science degree from Fontbonne University's combined Speech-Language Pathology and Deaf Education Program in St. Louis, Missouri. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist at the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech in Northampton, Massachusetts for over 6 years. Recently, Nina presented a half-day seminar on the use of iPad apps in speech and language therapy and is always interested in learning more.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, families, speech-language pathologists, preschool/daycare staff working with deaf and hard of hearing children, and anyone else working with a child with a hearing loss

Resources

First Steps to Access for Children Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing"

Program Description

This webinar will provide an overview of steps teachers and staff can take to ensure that their students who are deaf or hard of hearing have access to their educational experience. We will explore the basics of hearing loss and its impact on learning, as well as how to appropriately use hearing assistive technology (HAT) such as hearing aids, CIs and FM systems.

About the Presenters:

Maura Heffernan received her Master's degree in Deaf Education from Boston University. She started her career working at schools for the deaf. She then spent several years as a teacher of the deaf in the public school system. Currently she is a public school outreach consultant at MECDHH where she provides support for students who are deaf and hard of hearing and the staff who work with them.

Linda Koehler received her Master's degree in Deaf Education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She started her career teaching second grade for 5 years then was a teacher of the deaf in public schools for 14 years working with students from kindergarten through high school. She has been a public school outreach consultant for MECDHH for the past 3 years.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar is any staff members who work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as teachers, educational technicians, interpreters, speech language pathologists, and school nurses.

Resources

"Be a Communicative Partner: It's the Gateway to Learning"

Program Description

During this webinar participants will be given an overview of how to 'jumpstart' and promote communication with deaf and hard of hearing children who have a dual diagnosis of different hearing levels with Autism, dual sensory impairments, or multiple challenges. Strategies will be shared that encourage receptive language development and use of expressive communication.

About the Presenter:

Kristen Shorey received her Master of Education degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and a Leadership Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate from Gallaudet University. She has been working in the field of Special Education for 20 years with a concentration in deaf education for the last eight. Kristen currently works for MECDHH as an ECFS (Early Childhood and Family Services) consultant where she consults with families, daycare & Part C providers, and preschool programs across Maine.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, family members and professionals working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing with additional educational and communication challenges.

Resources

"Deaf and hard of Hearing Students: Navigating Complex Social Environments"

Program Description

This webinar will provide an overview of the critical importance of social and emotional development of deaf and hard of hearing students. The impact of communication and incidental learning will be highlighted along with ideas to enhance this essential aspect of development

About the Presenters:

Conrad Strackwas born hard of hearing and gradually became deaf by age 18. He graduated from his local public school and went on to receive a B.S. in Economics from Western Oregon State University and his M.S. Ed in Deaf Education from University of Rochester. After a few years teaching at Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind he relocated to Maine and has been working at MECDHH for 25 years in various capacities including the last 10 years as a public school outreach consultant.

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, families, administrators, educational professionals working with deaf and hard of hearing children and anyone involved in activities outside of school where deaf and hard of hearing children are included.

Resources

"Family Journeys: Exploring Communication Opportunities"

Program Description

During this webinar, Teachers of the Deaf, Cathy Glover and Corri Saunders provided an overview of the wide array of communication opportunities available to Deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. These opportunities include: Auditory Verbal, American Sign Language, Auditory Oral, Cued speech, Signed English, and Bilingual Bimodal. This webinar highlighted parent’s individual experiences exploring each communication opportunity.

About the Presenters:

Cathy Glover – Co-Presenter

Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Cathy Coughlin has an undergraduate degree in Deaf education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master's degree in Deaf Education from Boston University. She has worked at schools for the deaf in several states, specializing in early childhood education. She has worked for MECDHH for over 10 years as an Early Intervention Specialist for deaf and hard of hearing children birth through age 5.

Corri Saunders – Co-Presenter

Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Corri Saunders is an Auditory Oral Teacher of the Deaf currently working in an outreach position for the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Corri works as an Early Childhood Consultant to families throughout Maine as well as to the bilingual/bimodal preschool on Mackworth Island. After earning her M.E.D. from Smith College, Corri worked for two years at the Moog Center for Deaf Education in Missouri before pursuing her M.Ed. in Special Education with a specialization in early intervention from the University of Maine.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, families, early intervention specialists, speech language pathologists, teachers, audiologists, as well as anyone else working with a family or a child with differing hearing levels.

Resources

"Just Stop, Look, and Listen: Supporting Access for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing Through Daily Listening Checks"

Description:

During this webinar participants provided tips for completing daily technology checks of many common types of hearing assistance technologies: hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHAs, and FM systems. These tips will provide an easy resource for professionals to ensure that their student has properly functioning HAT used for access throughout the school day.

About the Presenters:

Katie Duncan received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from the Ohio State University. Katie has worked as a private audiologist in Maine, and is beginning her second year as an Educational Audiologist at MECDHH.

Angela Bruno, Director of Public School Outreach and Community Services has been working in the field of deaf education for over 35 years. She obtained a BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology from SUNY Geneseo and a MSEd in Education of the Deaf from Oregon College of Education.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes teachers, speech/language pathologists, and other public school, preschool, and daycare staff working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing. This webinar can also serve as a resource for parents and families who need guidance in completing listening checks and troubleshooting of their child's equipment.

Resources

"A Continuum of Communication: Auditory Oral"

Description:

During this webinar participants were provided with information relating to auditory oral communication. Answers to questions about what auditory oral communication is, what is needed for effective outcomes using auditory oral communication, who uses this type of communication and what are some of the best ways to support children and families choosing this type of communication.

About the Presenters:

Katherine Duncan received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Ohio State University. She has worked as a private audiologist in Maine and is beginning her second year as an Educational Audiologist at MECDHH.

Corri Saunders received her Master of Education of the Deaf (M.E.D.) from Smith College and a Master of Special Education in Early Intervention (M.Ed.) from the University of Maine. She has worked as an auditory oral classroom teacher and is beginning her 3rd year as an Early Childhood and Family Services Consultant at MECDHH

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, families, caregivers, Child Development Services (CDS) staff, early interventionists, audiologist, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, teachers and anyone else working with families or caregivers of a child with differing hearing levels.

Resources

"Can You Hear Me Now?" An 'Ears-On' Demonstration of FM System Use and Misuse

Description:

During this Webinar: Proper use ofHearing Assistive Technology (HAT) is a critical factor in maximizing access to the learning environment for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This webinar guided participants through active listening demonstrations. These demonstrations highlighted best practices by providing examples and contrasting examples of proper use and misuse of the equipment.

About the Presenters:

Donna Casavant received her Master's degree in Deaf Education from Smith College and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Special Education: Early Intervention from the University of Maine. She has worked as a Teacher of the Deaf in residential and mainstream settings, as a Chemistry and World Language teacher in public schools, and as an Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Therapist. This is her second year as a Public School Outreach Consultant for MECDHH.

Linda Koehler received her Master's degree in Deaf Education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She started her career teaching second grade for five years. She then worked as Teacher of the Deaf in public schools for 14 years working with students from kindergarten through high school. She has been a Public School Outreach Consultant for MECDHH for the past four years.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is designed for all professionals that use HATs to provide access to individuals with hearing loss. Participants may include parents, teachers, educational technicians, and occupational/physical/speech therapists.

Resources

"A Continuum of Communication: American Sign Language"

Description:

During this webinar, participants were provided with information related to American Sign Language (ASL). Answers to questions related to what ASL is, what is needed for effective outcomes using ASL, who uses this type of communication and what are some of the best ways to support children and families choosing this type of communication.

About the Presenters

Melinda Smith Meyers received her Bachelor of Social Work from Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Melinda worked as a home-based developmental therapist and ASL family trainer under Child Development Services for 15 years; and family case-manager for Maine DHHS and the Community Counseling Center for 6 years. She is currently an ASL Family Trainer and Deaf Mentor in the Early Childhood and Family Services program at MECDHH. She recently received Parent Advisor and Deaf Mentor certifications from the SKI-HI Institute of Utah State University.

Pamela Doig holds a Master's of Art with a dual certification in Deaf Education and Early Childhood Education as well as a Graduate Certificate in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and Families from Gallaudet University. Pam was introduced to the Deaf community 9 years ago when she took her first course in American Sign Language. She began her teaching career in the classroom where she discovered her passion for working with families. She has since worked as a Home Visitor for Early Head Start. Pam is excited to have recently joined the team of Early Childhood and Family Services Consultants at MECDHH.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, families, caregivers, Child Development Services (CDS) staff, early interventionists, audiologist, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, Deaf mentors, ASL family trainers, teachers and anyone else working with families or caregivers of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Resources

"A Continuum of Communication: Auditory Verbal"

Description:

During this webinar, participants provided information related to Auditory Verbal (AVT). Answered questions related to what AVT is, what is needed for effective outcomes using AVT, who uses this type of commu-nication and what are some of the best ways to support children and families choosing this type of communication

About the Presenters

Julie Neumann has been supporting children who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen and talk for over 15 years at programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine. She received her Master's degree in Audiology from the University of Connecticut's Childhood Hearing Impairment Program. During that time, she realized she wanted to help children use their hearing aids and/or cochlear implants to access spoken language. She then pursued a Master's in Education of the Deaf from Smith College and gained her certification as an Auditory-Oral teacher of the deaf. Julie also holds a specialty certification as a Listening and Spoken Lan-guage Specialist Auditory Verbal Educator (LSLS Cert. AVEdTM). She joined the Early Childhood and Family Services team at MECDHH in the fall of 2014.

Kathryn Carmina received her Master degree in Deaf Education from Canisius College in Buffalo NY. Kathryn was introduced to the Deaf community 8 years ago, when she began working at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf as a recreational/residential staff member. Due to her time spent at SMSD, Kathryn decided to pursue her graduate degree in Deaf Ed. Upon finishing her master degree, Kathryn moved to Utah to teach at Utah State University as a graduate supervisor and spoken language teacher in the Sound Beginnings program. She was very excited to see a job opening here in Maine in the bimodal preschool program and was even more excited when she was offered the job as the spoken language teacher.

Who Should Attend?

The target audience for this webinar includes parents, families, caregivers, Child Development Services (CDS) staff, early interventionists, audiologist, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, Deaf mentors, teachers and anyone else working with fam-ilies or caregivers of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing